Discover Vaison-la-Romaine near the campsite
At the foot of Mont Ventoux and 41 km from the Avignon Parc campsite, Vaison-la-Romaine stands majestically, with a remarkable historical heritage. This rich heritage bears witness to the commune’s phenomenal growth in antiquity, followed by an equally flourishing medieval period. Today, it’s one of the jewels in the crown of the Vaucluse, in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region.
DiscoverVaison-la-Romaine
Vaison la Romaine is steeped in history and home to numerous ancient and medieval remains. Discover this open-air museum in the Vaucluse.
Traces of a great Roman city
Its very name speaks volumes about Vaison-la-Romaine’s ancient heritage, and its Roman bridge over the Ouvèze, a listed historic monument, sets the tone. The ancient sites of Puymin and La Villasse constitute the largest archaeological complex in France. A tour of the museum reveals a wealth of objects belonging to the inhabitants of the ancient Roman city, as well as works of art and frescoes. There’s also an ancient theater, a grandiose complex that has been staging shows for 2,000 years.
The site is enriched by a renowned archaeological museum, designed a hundred years ago to bring together the results of the colossal excavations carried out in the city. The museum, now called Musée Théo Desplans, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the Gallo-Roman era through its many exhibits.
A rich medieval heritage
In the old town, heritage lovers will also admire a number of superbly preserved medieval buildings. Known as the “Haute Ville” (Upper Town), it opens from a 14th-century fortified gateway topped by a belfry. Framed by ramparts, it features small squares and calades, the cobbled streets typical of Provence, lined with picturesque houses straight out of the Middle Ages. Lovers of religious heritage will also admire the Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth cathedral and cloister, built on the site of an ancient Roman temple.
The château comtal at Vaison-la-Romaine also dates back to medieval times. With its feudal castle stature, it stands out for its 13-metre-high keep. The courtyard offers a unique view of Vaison-la-Romaine and as far as Mont Ventoux.
Even the town’s weekly market dates back to the Middle Ages. Held on Tuesday mornings, this is a chance to discover the local produce typical of Provence.
Family activitiesin and around Vaison-la-Romaine
Among the outdoor activities available in Vaison-la-Romaine, a hike known as La colline de Mars (Mars Hill) allows you to discover one of the seven hills surrounding the town. Starting from the Tourist Office, there are two possible circuits: a short one (11.2 km) and a long one (16.6 km), of medium and difficult difficulty respectively. These routes take walkers through broom, vineyards and the local forest, offering superb panoramic views of the Ouvèze, the hills and Mont Ventoux.
During a visit to the ancient site of Puymin, children aged 7 to 12 can enjoy an original activity. Thanks to a free booklet-game, they’ll embark on a riddle hunt that will lead them in the footsteps of young Lucius, through the archaeological site, the ancient theater and the museum.
On the road between the Avignon Parc campsite and Vaison-la-Romaine, stop off in Carpentras, a city of art and history. A papal city for five centuries, Carpentras has preserved many traces of its glorious past, including an episcopal palace. It’s also a town renowned for the quality of its gastronomy and for its succulent speciality… the berlingot !
Stay at our campsite near Vaison-la-Romaine
Located in the Provencal village of Vedène, the Avignon Parc campsite is a gateway to the treasures of the Vaucluse. In the heart of nature, our 4-star campsite offers you an idyllic setting and the utmost comfort for your stay, with top-of-the-range mobile homes and spacious traditional camping pitches.
Take full advantage of the Provence sunshine with a beautiful water park, featuring 800 m² of beach and water games. The campsite and surrounding area offer a wide range of activities to suit all tastes. Sporty or relaxed, your vacation near Vaison-la-Romaine will lack for nothing!